A North West firm making backpacks for gym equipment has reported turnover rising over 1,300% year-on-year to more than £2m.
Warrington-based firm Built for Athletes said it has now established itself as the go-to backpack brand for fitness enthusiasts, and was founded after owner and former personal trainer Nick Costello was unable to find a functional, durable, stylish backpack that could meet his gym requirements.
Nick and brother Danny say the brand founded in 2018 is now valued in excess of £5m, and credited the 1,373% turnover growth with a surge in popularity across Europe and the US, with the latter market now accounting for over 25% of total sales.
The brothers, who are from Blackpool, say the products spearheading the increase are the 'Hero Backpack' and 'Hero 2.0 Backpack', and even supply top Formula One racing drivers.
CEO Nick said: “During this past year we have seen a huge increase in growth, especially across Europe and the US and we’re delighted to be posting turnover of more than £2M.
“We’ve now shipped our Hero 2.0 Backpack to more than 25 countries worldwide, supplied an F1 racing team and are trusted by more than 50,000 elite and everyday athletes worldwide. Over the next year, we expect to deliver further growth, with our turnover forecast to be in excess of £4m.”
Trusted by fitness industry experts and elite athletes, the best in class fitness backpack won numerous best-buy award titles in fitness magazines, leading to Built for Athletes expanding their range of products to include associated accessories.
The firm supports more than 50,000 fitness fanatics globally.
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The sales increase and awards are not the only successes the fitness brand has seen this year.
Built for Athletes reached agreement to become the official supplier of the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN team for the 2020 Formula One Championship, and now supplies the Hero Backpack to racing drivers Kimi Räikkönen, Antonio Giovinazzi as well as all team personnel as they take on the 2020 championship.
Danny, head of marketing, added: “At Built for Athletes we believe an athlete’s mindset is to surpass boundaries and continually strive for high performance, to never settle once a goal is achieved but raise the bar higher and go again. Nick and I have the same mentality when it comes to developing the brand.
“Our aim for this coming year is to expand our international reach and support more athletes with the right tools and equipment to fulfil their potential.”